For the second week in a row, LAFC travel to take on an opponent out of playoff contention.
Last week's trip to Chicago didn't end fondly. But with the opportunity to clinch a playoff spot on the line, LAFC has added incentive to turn things around this week in Colorado.
These two teams met for the first time back in August. Thanks to goals by Lee Nguyen and Diego Rossi, LAFC took all three points at home against the Rapids. Since then, Colorado has gone on a six-match losing stretch. LAFC's blip against Chicago ended a streak of six matches unbeaten for the Black & Gold. If Bob Bradley's team hopes to leave the altitude of Colorado with another victory, they'll need to come ready to work against the Rapids.
Here are the Toyota Keys to the Match for LAFC's trip to Colorado:
Win The Ball Back Early
LAFC love the ball. It's not that they love possession for the sake of it, they just don't want the opposing team to have it.
Bob Bradley's team is predicated on making passes and putting teams under pressure with the spaces they create. When the ball turns over, Bradley wants his team in position to immediately apply pressure and win the ball back. Against Chicago, LAFC was slow to the ball. The player closest to the ball doesn't necessarily have to win it, but in LAFC's system, he needs to delay the ball to allow other players to step up to their marks. This counterpressing is what gives LAFC more opportunities than its opponent. And the more chances Carlos Vela and co. have, the more likely LAFC will be successful on the scoresheet.
Be Aware Of The Altitude
Everybody knows the Rapids have an added advantage of the high altitude at home. So it shouldn't sneak up on any LAFC players.
That being said, they need to be aware of the conditions but not bow to them. There will be moments to press and moments to hang back. If LAFC can control the match with awareness in those situations, then the altitude will have little effect. Recognition of the game state and positional awareness will be key to navigating the altitude at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on Saturday.
Combinations In The Final Third
Whoever is part of Bradley's attacking trio on Saturday needs to look to combine early and often. Against Chicago, the front three created the first big chance of the game by keying off each other's runs. But after that, there was nothing. The movements and space the front three create for each other opens avenues through the opponent's backline. LAFC can't afford to only find its attackers isolated and flat-footed in deep areas. The midfield has to control play through the middle of the pitch to allow the attackers room to run. Once the Colorado defenders are on the move, quick interchanges and getting the ball moving from one position to the next in quick succession will create finishing opportunities for the likes of Vela, Dio, and Rossi.
